CareFlite Dispatch Honored with Excellence Accreditation

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2024

CareFlite Dispatch Honored with Excellence Accreditation

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas- CareFlite has been recognized by The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (IAEDTM) as an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for emergency medical dispatching. CareFlite is the 130th Medical ACE in the world.

IAED is the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch services worldwide. Accreditation (and subsequent re-accreditation) from the IAED is the highest distinction given to emergency communication centers, certifying that the center is performing at or above the established standards for the industry. Centers who earn ACE status are the embodiment of dispatch done right, and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality processes, and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement.

CareFlite is a 501(c)3 non-profit that has been operating in North Central Texas since 1979. It operates seven helicopter ambulances, 80 ground ambulances, and a communications center with a team of dispatchers who serve as mission control for CareFlite. When precious minutes county, dispatchers work against the clock to mobilize and prepare emergency responders for incoming calls. This is CareFlite's fifth Consecutive ACE accreditation.

“The ACE accreditation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in service and care,” said Bryan Crane, Vice President of Ground Operations at CareFlite. “By upholding the highest standards set forth by the Academy, we echo to the communities we serve that they can trust in our dedication and professionalism.”

“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement,” said Christof Chwojka, Accreditation Board Chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated calltakers, dispatchers, and leadership team at CareFlite for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first, first responders to do an outstanding job.”

IAED will present CareFlite with an Accreditation plaque that commemorates their achievement. IAED Accreditation is the culmination of a lengthy, arduous process that includes the completion of the 20 Points of Accreditation, a detailed evaluation of performance by industry experts, and a final review and ruling by IAED.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which all standards must be upheld. Emergency communication centers can earn multiple accreditations, one for each emergency discipline they service (medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage).

Over 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage protocols developed and maintained by the IAED. The protocol-based system—known as the Priority Dispatch SystemTM—is recognized as the standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch, and is used in 46 countries.

About IAED

For more than 40 years, the IAED has been the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch and response services worldwide, and is the leading body of emergency dispatch experts. We are a member-driven association working to serve the public through the professional development of dispatchers. Our various boards and councils work on behalf of the membership—and in coordination with other public safety organizations—to ensure that the comprehensive system of emergency dispatching is as safe, fast, effective, and up-to-date as possible.

CareFlite Media Contact

Kellee Wright

Director of Communications & Public Relations

kwright@careflite.org

IAED Media Contact

Matthew Miko

Director of Academics, Research, and Communications

matthew.miko@emergencydispatch.org

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